Since Asian American women are in our first generation of preachers, many of us never heard an Asian American woman preach before we ourselvesbecame preachers. We lack role models, guides, and maps. And though the stereotype of Asian women as quiet, gentle, and submissive is an additional hindrance, the reality is that many of us have internalized the values that lie behind those traits. But we long to move beyond these constraints. This thesis will show how the preaching voice of one Asian American woman was newly empowered as it moved through three phases of emerging, embodying, and engaging. The fruitful nature of each phase is recounted through the voices of colleagues and members of three different congregations, interwoven with the writer's own narrative. Cultural and personal challenges are named and explored. The overall learnings both conceptual and practical are indicated. It will be shown how the writer emerged from a quiet yet effective preaching voice to one that is more powerful and dynamic. This thesis is intended for Asian American women called by God to preach, and for all who seek to move beyond their present voices to even stronger voices for God in the pulpit.
